Ultraviolette Automotive is well known, both locally and internationally, for its well designed and engineered performance electric motorcycles. But the expanding market in electrification beckons venturing into more segments. The company has launched two new electric two-wheelers: the Shockwave motorcycle and the Tesseract scooter. With bookings open and deliveries to begin in Q1 2026, the attractive pricing strategy will help the company garner healthy bookings.
Co-founder Niraj Rajmohan discussed the company’s strategic vision, engineering approach, and market positioning as Ultraviolette shifts towards a wider audience.
Investment & Tech Efficiency
Ultraviolette has been highly capital-efficient in its product development, which is unlike many EV manufacturers. Despite industry norms requiring significantly higher investments for new platforms, the company has managed to develop its entire range with approximately $60 million. This is considerably less than the cost of other manufacturers, owing to an optimised approach in supplier partnerships, in-house component engineering, and modular manufacturing. The new Tesseract and Shockwave benefit from the same engineering philosophy ensuring cost efficiency without compromising performance.
Battery technology remains the foundation of Ultraviolette’s motorcycles and scooters. The F77 features a large 10 kWh battery, while the newly introduced models utilise a modular battery system ranging between 3.5 kWh and 6 kWh. This reduction in capacity helps it achieve a more affordable price point while maintaining the high efficiency and durability expected from the company’s vehicles. The Shockwave motorcycle delivers between 15 and 20 bhp, a departure from the F77’s 40 bhp, reflecting a design meant for lightweight agility and accessibility.
Cost reductions in these new models also stem from optimising motor controllers and embedded systems. By designing and refining their own control units, the company has eliminated reliance on expensive third-party components, allowing greater control over performance tuning and scalability.
Balancing Performance & Affordability
With an estimated price range starting from ex-showroom pricing INR 1.45 lakh to INR 1.75 lakh (INR 1.2 lakh to INR 1.5 lakh as promo), the Tesseract and Shockwave enter a competitive market segment. Ultraviolette's strategy differs from traditional mass-market approaches by relying on organic brand growth rather than aggressive advertising. Word-of-mouth, strong online engagement, and customer advocacy are key elements of its marketing model. Unlike conventional marketing-heavy strategies, the company has built a strong brand presence through technological leadership and direct customer interaction.
One of the biggest concerns in launching new products ahead of availability is giving competitors time to catch up. Rajmohan acknowledges this but argues that engineering a high-performance EV motorcycle requires expertise in power electronics, battery optimisation, and control systems—areas where the OEM has a significant head start. Unlike traditional automakers, which rely on external suppliers for key components, Ultraviolette has developed many of its critical technologies in-house. This provides a technological moat that makes direct competition more difficult for legacy manufacturers.
Additionally, the lead time for competitors to replicate Ultraviolette’s product lineup is estimated to be at least two to three years, reinforcing the company’s first-mover advantage in the high-performance electric two-wheeler space.
Manufacturing & Scalability
Currently, Ultraviolette’s facility in Bangalore can handle production up to 30,000 units annually. However, as demand scales up, the company is evaluating greenfield expansion and potential synergies with TVS Motors, its major investor. Collaborations with established manufacturers could accelerate production capabilities without requiring heavy capital investments in new manufacturing plants. The long-term goal is to increase capacity beyond 100,000 units per year, a target that aligns with Ultraviolette’s aggressive product roadmap.
Introducing Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) To Two-Wheelers
Ultraviolette has taken an unconventional approach by integrating rider assistance functions, commonly found in cars, into its two-wheelers. The Tesseract scooter features Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with camera and radar-based functions, such as blind-spot detection and forward-collision warnings. Unlike existing ADAS solutions adapted from four-wheelers, Ultraviolette’s system is tuned for India’s unpredictable road conditions, ensuring that features remain practical and not intrusive.
The company is also pioneering the use of haptic feedback for rider warnings, a relatively unexplored concept in two-wheelers. Since regulatory frameworks for ADAS in two-wheelers are still evolving, the company is actively involved in discussions to define industry standards and ensure future compliance.
Market Positioning
While major two-wheeler manufacturers like Hero, Honda, and Bajaj are expected to introduce competitive electric models, Ultraviolette remains confident in its unique positioning. The company’s strength lies in its deep technical expertise and rapid innovation cycle, attributes that traditional manufacturers—who operate with tiered supplier dependencies—may struggle to match.
Rajmohan likens Ultraviolette’s approach to Tesla’s early years, where a small, agile company outpaced legacy automakers by focusing on cutting-edge technology. He acknowledges that large manufacturers have extensive sales and service networks, but he believes Ultraviolette’s direct engagement with customers and control over proprietary technology provide a sustainable advantage.
Future Growth
Ultraviolette’s long-term goal is to scale up to 100,000 units annually within three to four years. This expansion includes not only increased domestic sales but also significant exports. The company has demand from nearly 190 countries, demonstrating the global appeal of its electric motorcycles and scooters.
To support this growth, Ultraviolette anticipates investments between $70 million and $100 million over the next few years. The company is actively engaging in funding discussions, ensuring that capital is available for both production scaling and continued product development. Despite being well-capitalised, the company takes a strategic approach to growth, prioritising technological refinement over aggressive expansion.
Ultraviolette’s product development also considers diverse rider demographics, including the growing number of women using scooters and motorcycles. Ergonomics, customisable user interfaces, and adaptable safety features ensure that the company’s vehicles are designed for a broad audience. The focus on inclusivity extends to international markets, where factors such as rider height, weight distribution, and riding behaviour differ from Indian conditions.
Additionally, Ultraviolette is investing in future-oriented concepts like smart helmets and rider-assist technologies. These initiatives are aimed at refining user experience and improving rider safety before full-scale commercialisation.
Road Towards An IPO
While Ultraviolette is focused on product development and scaling, it is also laying the groundwork for a future public listing. Rajmohan indicates that an IPO could be on the horizon within two to three years, provided that key fundamentals—such as consistent growth, product diversification, and international expansion—are in place.
The company is taking a cautious approach to ensure that it enters the public market from a position of strength rather than rushing for valuation-driven reasons. With increasing investor interest and a growing footprint in the EV sector, Ultraviolette is well-positioned to become a major player in the global electric two-wheeler market.
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Ultraviolette Expands EV Portfolio With Shockwave Motorcycle & Tesseract Scooter